Blackburn close in on Real legend Raul as Schalke set striker exit deadline

Blackburn are closing in on a sensational deal for Raul after contacting Schalke and being assured the former Real Madrid striker will consider joining them.

Schalke have confirmed that they have received an official offer from Blackburn and have responded by giving Raul 24 hours to make up his mind over a move to Ewood Park.

Rover and out: Schalke gave Raul 24 hours to mull over a switch to Blackburn

Encouraged by the feedback from the Bundesliga club, Blackburn bosses are hoping the veteran frontrunner will fly to England on Wednesday for talks over personal terms.

With a Europa League game looming on Thursday, Schalke want an answer swiftly from Raul but have made it clear they are prepared to let him leave.

If he can be persuaded to add his vast experience to Steve Kean's struggling squad, it would represent a massive coup for Blackburn's owners after months of trying to attract a major name to the club.

Raul has become increasingly
unsettled at Schalke after a series of run-ins with coach Ralf Rangnick.
After scoring a brilliant individual goal against Cologne at the
weekend, he refused to celebrate, in a pointed gesture that was widely
seen as a hint he could be on his way.

Blackburn quickly reacted by lodging a bid for one of the most celebrated figures from Real's long list of past galacticos and must now wait for news on whether he will visit the north-west tomorrow to see what they have to offer.

Heading off: Raul has grown unsettled at the German club

Kean admitted, after Saturday's opening-day home defeat by Wolves, that he had made bids for four players, including a striker.

Schalke general manager Horst Heldt confirmed the approach, saying: 'We have received an official email request from Blackburn Rovers.

'We have told his advisor and we will meet with Raul and his advisor and talk about it. We don't want him to go, but if he tells us he wants to, then we will deal with it.'

Schalke are insisting on an answer from Raul before their Europa League tie with HJK Helsinki.

The 34-year-old is in the final year of his contract at Schalke and can expect a two-year deal at Ewood Park.